Reversible window fan or ventilator



Dec. 9, 1952 c. KRAUSS REVERSIBLE wmnow FAN OR VENTILATOR 2 Sl-lEETS-SHEET 1 Filed Feb. 12, .949

Dec. 9, 1952 A c. KRAUSS REVERSIBLE wmnow FAN 0R VENTILATOR 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Feb. 12, 1949 w i m m Patented Dec. 9, 1 952 UNITED STATES TNT OFFICE 3 Claims.

The present invention relates .to anovel window. fan .or ventilator construction v.an'dassembly that is adjustable .for.mo.unting ina window, transom ..or other opening, and more particularly .to such a ventilator having a f'anthat is reversible and equally effective in drawing fresh airintoua room .or. other enclosure, or in exhaustingrair from suchroom .or enclosure.

"It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to .provideanovelfanor ventilator unit that is reversible .andequallyeffective .in drawing fresh airfrom the .outsideinto anrenclosure as well-as exhausting stale. air from the enclosure. Thislis accomplished .by .meansof my novel ventilator .construction and assembly adapted to be mounted in. a window, transom or other opening andin which assembly .is provided a novel dual passage .arrangement that .directsand assures maximum passage .of .air .therethrough, and whereby the air may: be forced through. the. ventilator in .either direction .and thereby either draw fre'shairfrom the outside atmosphere into the enclosure .or torexhaust the stale air, smoke fumes or cooking odorsfrom .theenclosure to the exterior. or. outside atmosphere.

Due to this novel arrangement. for tunnelling the rairjtherethrough.anctthe manner .of position- 7 ing. andreversibly. mounting. the fan. therein, the sameamountof freshloutside airwillbe brought into the. room or enclosure in. one operative-position of thefan as willvbe .exhausted when the fan isoperating. for exhausting the stale or warm airfrom .theroom. "Recirculationof the air is reduced to-a minimumso'that if ,the fan is adjusted to the .po'sition for theintake of air, .the

operator is assured thathe .is not recirculating airtaken from the interior of the room or enclosure'but is tunnelling in the desired fresh air from the outside atmosphere.

The present invention further comprehends a novel portable window ventilator unit having .a reversible fan and provided with a novel manual control by which the operator. may quickly and easily reverse its operation-and with a novel detent or latch arrangement .for retaining .or holding the fan andmotor .assembly in thedesired operating position.

Another important object. of .the present invention is the provision of.a novel pivotal mounting for the reversible exhaust or intakefan and its motor in the mainpanelorframe.

A further important. object is theprovisionof a novel protective, grill or perforate.d. guard .detachably mounted upon the .mainpanelorjframe .in su'ch manner that it maybe easily and quickly removed for access to the lfan -assembly,:its,pivotal mounting and the. electrical wiring, all ,carried by the main panel or frame. .This an important feature as it permitsready accessto the motor and me,ch anism, for maintenance, assembly and disassembly of the .unit by simply removing theprotective guard or grill whichearries none of the operating parts.

Further objects are to provide ,a construction of maximum simplicity, eificiency, economy. and ease of ..assembly and operation, andsuchfurther objects, advantages and capabilities. as will later more fully appear and are inherently possessed thereby.

The invention furtherresides in the construction, combination and arrangement of ,parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while'there .is shown therein .a .preferred embodiment, itis to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification.and change, and comprehends other details, arrangements v.of parts, features and constructions withoutideparting from the spirit of the invention.

In the. drawings:

Figure 1 is. a viewin end elevationof thenovel reversible window fan or ventilator projecting into a roomor other enclosure-and showin the manner. of mounting it in.=a window opening, the window "sash and window sill .and .ledge being shown in vertical cross-section.

Fig. .2 is a view in frontelevationof the novel reversible window fan or ventilator .mounted. in the window opening and #takenfrom the interior of the room,.the window sash and. frame :being brokenxaway fora more complete understandin of the manner of mounting the ventilatorin the oppositeside jambs and resting .upon the window sill.

Fig. 3 is anenlarged view in front elevation of the novel ventilator assembly with the protective screen orperforated guard. removed.

Fig. 4 is a View. in Vertical cross-section through the reversible window fan or ventilatonthe movtor mounting and. fanbeing adjustedto the-position for drawin air into the room orenclosure.

Fig. 5 is a view, part in end elevation andepart in vertical cross-section taken in approximately the same plane as .Fig. .4, .but showing the motor mountingand fan reversedorrotated through for exhausing .the air from theroom'or other enclosure.

Fig. 6 is a view in front .elevationof the main panel or frame with its Venturi passage .or

manner of adjusting the width of the ventilator to fit windows or other openings of different Widths by sliding adjustment of the telescoping end panels at the opposite ends of the main frame.

Fig. '7 is a view in perspective of one of the telescoping end panels.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged view in vertical cross-section through the main and a telescoping end panel and showing the manner of locking these panels in adjusted position, the end flange of the end panel being omitted for more complete disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged View, part in vertical cross-section and part in side elevation, showing the resilient mounting for journalling or pivotally supporting the upper end of the pivot rod or shaft which carries the fan and motor assembly.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged view in vertical cross section through the pivot box, the pivotally mounted handle and its locking detent mechanism for retaining the handle, fan and motor assembly shown in Fig. 3 in exhaust or intake position.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of one of the spaced embossments or protuberances on the pivot box for receiving the locking detent and provided with a stop to limit rotation of the handle in one direction.

Referring more particularly to the illustrative embodiment disclosed in the drawings, the novel reversible window fan or ventilator I is shown as comprising a main frame or panel 2 provided with slidably adjustable end sections or end panels 3 and 4 adapted to be mounted in an openingsuch as a window opening in a window frame 5. These panels 2, 3 and 4 are preferably formed of metal or other material suitable for the purpose. The main frame 2 of the ventilator is provided with a top flange 6 and a bottom flange I adapted to slidably receive the oppositely disposed end sections or panels 3 and 4, each provided with an arcuate edge or cut-out 8, an inturned top flange 9, an inturned bottom flange II and an inturned end flange l2 provided with open key slots I3 adapted to receive a screw, headed pin or the like I4. These screws or pins are mounted in the moldings II) in the opposite side jambs [5 of the window frame in such manner as to project inwardly into the window opening, and whereby the ventilator is retained or held in operative position when supported upon the window sill and ledge or mullion I6 and the end sections or end panels 3 and 4 are rigidly connected to the main frame I. Suitable locking means such as screws or bolts I! connecting the overlapping top flange B of the main frame 2 and the top flange 9 of the end panels 3 and 4, lock these adjustable end panels onto the main frame to form a rigid assembly of a predetermined or required width. This is accomplished by providing each upper flange 9 of an end panel with an elongated slot 20 through which passes the bolt I! and which bolt is locked in position by a stationary nut I'I drawing the lower flange ll of the end panel against the inturned lip or edge of the flange I (see Fig. 8)

The arcuate edges 8 are so contoured that when the end sections or end panels 3 and 4 are forced inwardly to their innermost position (Fig. 6), these edges encompass a tubular or cylindrical member l8 of substantial length or depth centrally disposed within the main frame 2 and forming a double throat or passage for confining and directing the air therethrough. To draw or tunnel the air through this passage, there is provided therein a fan or air circulating means l9 mounted upon the rotating shaft 2| of a motor 22, all supported or carried by split clamping sections 23 and 24 forming an encompassing band or collar about the motor 22 and with the lower clamping section 24 secured to an end of a pivot rod 25 and the upper clamping section 23 secured to an end of a pivot rod 26.

The pivot rod 25 is ofiset at 21 and with its offset end 28 passing through the cylindrical member I8 and journalled or rotatably mounted in a pivot box or bracket 29 secured in any suitable manner to the exterior of the member 18. The pivot rod 26 is oifset at 3| and its offset end 32 also projects through the cylindrical member l8 and is journalled or rotatably mounted in a pivot box or bracket 33. In each pivot box is provided a rubber grommet 30 in which the offset ends 28 and 32 are rotatably or pivotally mounted, and which mounting absorbs and prevents vibrations of the motor and fan assembly from being transferred to the metal parts of the main panel and enclosure through direct metal to metal contact. Upon this end 32 where it projects through the pivot box or bracket 33 is pinned or keyed a handle 34 and upon the upper surface of the pivot box 33 at the opposite sides of the projecting end 32 and in the path of the pivotal movement of this handle are provided embossments or protuberances 35. These embossments are spaced apart and each provided with a depression 36 adapted to receive a detent or projection 3'! on the underside of the handle and thereby lock or hold the handle against accidental or unintentional release, but permitting the operator to manually release the handle and turn it and the fan and motor assembly about the offset pivot rods 25 and 26 through 180, whenever it is desired to reverse the motor from intake to exhaust, or vice versa. To prevent the handle from rotating through an arc of more than approximately 180 and beyond the embossments 35, a stop 38 is rovided immediately adjacent and to the rear of each embossment.

When the reversible window fan or ventilator is located in the window, transom or other opening and the fan is positioned in the cylindrical member or tunnel I8 as in Fig. 4, air is drawn into the room or enclosure from the exterior or outside atmosphere. To prevent danger to the occupants of the room, the fan is protected and covered by a protective grill or perforated guard 4I detachably or removably mounted upon the exterior of the main frame 2 by bolts 42 and knurled or removable nuts 43 that permit its ready attachment or detachment.

By merely disengaging the handle and locking detent from the position shown in Fig. 4 and rotating the handle and the fan and motor assembly carried by the rods 25 and 26 through an arc of 180, the motorand fan are located in the position ofFig. 5 and in which position the fan I9 draws air from the interior of the room or enclosure through the protective grill or perforated guard and discharges it outwardly through the double air tunnel l8 to the outside atmosphere.

By operating the fan in the confined space of the tubular or cylindrical member or air tunnel I 8, a dual passage is provided (1) for the air that is drawn into the room when the fan is operating as an intake fan, and (2) for the air exhausted from'the room when it is operated as an exhaust epeater :passage of air in either direction of flow and assuresmaximum fl'ow of freshair into the inter- 'ior of the room or enclosure, or when reversed,

assures maximum-exhaust ofthe stale air, cooking odors or smoke fumes.

In the installation, the novel reversible window fan or ventilator assembly, which is portable and may be mstall'ed wherever needed, may be quickly adjusted to the desired width of the window opening, transom or other opening in which the ventilator is to be mounted. This is accomplished by loosening the screws or bolts l1 and stationary nuts I! and withdrawing the end sections or end panels and 4 by reason of the elongated slots '20 to the proper width. Suitably spaced screws o'rfheadedpins I4 are secured in the opposite moldings I of side jambs [5 of the window frame 5 to receive the end 'fianges 52 of the adjustable panels- 3-and 4. These screws are to be so'placed that the lower end of the ventilator seats or rests upon the mulli'on-or ledge 16 and 'in whi'ch position the screws or pins I4 are disposed in the upper ends of the key hole slots I3 (see Fig. 1). The screws H in the top flange 6 of the frame or main panel I are tightened when the end or extension panels 3 and 4 are extended to the proper width, causing the stationary nuts I! to exert upward pressure against the upper flanges 9 of the end panels 3 and 4 and the lower flanges l l of these end panels are drawn up against the inturned edge I of the bottom flange I of the main panel. The pressure thus exerted provides an effective means of locking each adjustable end panel to the main panel by the manipulation of but a single screw or bolt. This novel arrangement facilitates adjustment of the panels and eliminates binding and individual fitting of panels encountered in other makes and designs of telescoping panels. In this position the protective grillor perforated guard 4! projects into the room or enclosure to be ventilated and protects the occupants, and especially children, from contact with the fan blades. The lower sash rail 44 when lowered to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, limits the flow of air in the desired direction through the dual passage.

An electric cord 45 is connected at one end to the motor 22 and at the other end is provided with at plug (not shown) that may be connected to any socket or wall outlet for supplying current to the motor. This cord 45 is preferably provided with a switch at or adjacent the ventilator or reversible fan unit to permit the operator to energize or de-energize the motor without the necessity of inserting or removing the plug. The cord adjacent to where it is connected to the ventilator, is led through an insulating grommet 46 in a bracket 4'! mounted on the main frame 2, through the bracket or pivot box 29 providing the pivotal mounting for the offset end 28 of the pivot rod 25, and through the tubular or cylindrical member I8. To prevent the end of the cord entering the motor from becoming twisted or damaged as the motor and fan are repeatedly rotated from the intake to the exhaust positions, an arm 48 is preferably mounted on the pivot rod 25 and deflects the cord to one side or the other as the motor and fan assembly are rotated back and forth from one position to the other.

By removing the protective gril1 or guard 4| by removal of the four nuts 43 from the screws or bolts 42, complete access may be had to the fan, motor and associated parts so that the assembly, disassembly or replacement of any of the parts may be readily accomplished. This pro- '6 tective grill or guard readily and easily slips over the cylindrical or dual member l8 and has its lower and upper surfaces or panels 49 recessed-to encompass the pivot box or brackets 29 'and33, respectively, in which the offset ends of the rods '25 and 26 are pivotally "mounted.

Except for the "embossments 35 and stops 38 'efi'lcientand effective in operation, and one that is readily adjustable and of lightweight so that it may be quickly removed or installed wherever desired or required.

Having thus disclosed the invention, I claim:

1. A reversible window fan adapted to be remova'bly mounted in a window frame or other opening in an enclosure, comprising an adjustable panel assembly the width of which may be adjusted to accommodate openings of varying widths, means for supporting the panel assembly in the frame, a cylindrical member rigidly mounted in the assembly and having its opposite ends outwardly flared for directing the entering air, a fan and motor unit rotatably mounted in the cylindrical member about a vertical axis and through an arc of whereby in one position fresh air from the exterior is drawn through said tubular member and into the enclosure, and in another position stale air, cooking odors or smoke fumes are drawn from the enclosure through said tubular member and exhausted to the exterior, and a perforated grill detachably mounted on the side of the panel assembly facing the enclosure to enclose said cylindrical member and fan and protect the occupants of the room against contact with the fan, but when the grill is removed access is had to the fan, motor and associated mechanism, all carried by the panel assembly.

2. A reversible Window fan adapted to be removably mounted in the frame defining a window opening, comprising a ventilator frame. including a central and adjustable telescoping end sections adapted to be adjusted to the width of the opening and detachably mounted in the window frame, a tubular member mounted in the central section and defining an air passage of substantial length through the ventilator frame through which the incoming or outgoing air is directed, the opposite ends of said tubular member being flared outwardly to direct and tunnel the air entering either end thereof, a fan and motor disposed within the passage of the tubular member, oppositely extending rods having one end supporting the motor and fan substantially centrally of said passage and having their other end offset and journalled in the tubular member to permit the fan and motor to be rotated through 180 for directing air through either end of the tubular member and with the fan located within the tubular member in either position, and a removable protective grill enclosing the tubular member, fan and motor.

3. A reversible window fan adapted to be mounted in an opening such as window, transom and the like for either drawing fresh air into a room or for exhausting stale air, smoke 'fumes, cooking odors and the like from the room, comprising an adjustable frame adapted to be adjusted in width and whereby it may be mounted in openings varying in width and including a central panel and end panels each flanged at the top and bottom for longitudinal sliding adjustment of the end panels, means for connecting the flanges of the central and end panels in adjusted position, an inturned end flange on said end panels for detachably supporting the adjusted frame in the opening, a tubular imperforate member mounted in said central panel in inwardly spaced relation from its top and bottom flanges, said member providing an elongated passage with its outer ends outwardly flared for directing and controlling the passage of air therethrough in either direction, a reversible fan and motor mounted for rotation about avertical axis in said tubular member, a handle projecting above the frame for rotating the fan and motor through an arc of 180 for operating the fan in one position in which it draws the outside air into the room and in another position in'which it exhausts the air from the room to the outside, and means for locking the handle, motor and fan in either operative position.

CARL KRAUSS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,687,843 Miller Oct. 16, 1928 1,713,648 Fein'berg et a1 May 21, 1929 1,870,570 Hueglin Aug. 9, 1932 1,917,327 Preston July 11, 1933 1,938,797 Bourne Dec. 12, 1933 2,021,684 Faber Nov. 19, 1935 2,027,647 Montgomery Jan. 14, 1936 2,228,224 Benson Jan. 7, 1941 2,448,671 Hord Sept. 7, 1948 2,476,692

Bernstein July 19, 1949 

